Counting the seven strings
The seven guqin strings run from string 1 (thickest, lowest) to string 7 (thinnest, highest). In the common zhengdiao tuning they are roughly C-D-F-G-A-C-D, the pentatonic scale plus two notes an octave up.
Guqin strings are silk or nylon-steel and sit at low tension, so keep adjustments gentle. Pluck between the bridge and the studs, close to the first stud, for the most stable tone.
Five common tunings
| 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zhengdiao (standard tuning) | C2 | D2 | F2 | G2 | A2 | C3 | D3 |
| Jinwuxian (raised fifth string) | C2 | D2 | F2 | G2 | B♭2 | C3 | D3 |
| Mansanxian (lowered third string) | C2 | D2 | E2 | G2 | A2 | C3 | D3 |
| Mangongdiao (G) | B1 | D2 | E2 | G2 | A2 | B2 | D3 |
| Qingshangdiao (E♭) | C2 | E♭2 | F2 | G2 | B♭2 | C3 | E♭3 |
The two rules behind every retuning
A guqin "diao" is a way of tuning, not a modern key. Retuning follows just two rules:
Tighten the 3rd degree to make a new tonic - raise the jiao note (3, the 5th string) by a semitone and it becomes the new do, giving you jinwuxian (ruibin diao).
Slacken the tonic to make a new 3rd - lower the gong note (1, the 3rd string) by a semitone and it becomes the new mi, giving you mansanxian (manjiao diao).
Slacken strings 1 and 6 as well and you reach mangong diao (G); tighten strings 2 and 7 from jinwuxian and you reach qingshang diao (E flat).
Recheck after switching
After changing tuning, recalibrate every string rather than reusing the previous readings - the target pitches are completely different.
A guqin is quiet and decays slowly, which makes it fairly easy to detect, but room noise affects the low strings. Tune in a quiet room and let notes ring for two to three seconds.
